Why You Need a Written Plan for Winning at Work
A written plan for winning at work? But - Andrea - I’m so damn tired.
I know, my dude(ette). Me too. If you’re reading this, your big win for the week may have been simply surviving it.
But here’s the thing: You’re not alone. In fact, a large portion of professionals feel the same way.
Want to start feeling like you’re actually getting ahead and doing meaningful things? The key to getting your life - and work - back on track is a written plan.
Yep, a good old-fashioned written plan for winning at work can completely change
…the way you work,
…the way you think about your professional - and personal - life,
…and the way you launch the week, or finish it.
Let me hit you with some data to prove that investing a bit of time upfront to create a written plan can pay off BIG time in the long run. (In fact, in the time it took you to read this far into this blog, you could have already accomplished the first big step to writing your plan.)
The Harsh Reality: You’re Not Doing Enough (of The Right Things)
A lot of professionals find themselves stuck in the cycle of working hard but never feeling like they’ve actually accomplished anything. Are you one of them?
It’s easy to fall into the trap of feeling like you’re constantly putting out fires, responding to emails, attending endless meetings, and tackling urgent (yet often non-essential) tasks. Meanwhile, the real, strategic work
—your career goals,
your leadership development,
your health, finances, family and friends —
all sits on the back burner. No wonder by Friday, you’re exhausted and frustrated, with a nagging feeling that you’ve barely scratched the surface of what you want to accomplish.
That’s where having a written plan for winning at work comes in.
What’s the Big Deal About Having a Written Plan?
That’s right—writing things down is a simple yet incredibly effective way to move the needle on what really matters to you. It’s like putting your dreams on a map and saying, “Here’s where I want to go.” Without that map, you’re just wandering around aimlessly. Like a dear friend reminded me recently: “Ink makes you think.”
But here’s the catch: Writing a plan isn’t just about jotting down some vague goals like “become a better leader” or “make more money.”
“You need a clear vision for where you want to go and specific goals
that break down how you’re going to get there.”
This is where most of get into trouble with our never-ending “to-do” lists—we don’t connect the big vision with actionable steps that get us closer to our end goal. This lack of alignment between vision and action is often why we feel like we’re running in place.
The Power of a Vision Plan
A vision plan is the roadmap that connects the dots between where you are and where you want to go. Everyone can benefit from having a vision for the future.
According to the American Psychological Association, having a vision creates a sense of purpose, which, in turn, helps increase motivation, productivity, and overall well-being. Your written vision plan can be your secret weapon to achieving more and feeling less drained. When you know where you’re headed, it’s easier to stay motivated and make strategic decisions that align with your long-term goals.
A vision plan should be:
SIMPLE - you should be able to easily explain the why behind your vision
EMOTIONAL - it should feel exciting and bold (but not far-fetched) to achieve it
CLEAR - it should be written in present tense and cover all areas of your life: work, home, health, wealth, family, relationships and more.
It should - essentially - describe vividly what success looks like to you in the near future. Mine reads like a movie plot and it gives me all the feels when I read it. It clearly defines the milestones I wanna hit in the next 6 months, the areas I need to improve on to get there and the purpose - or impact - of hitting each goal.
Make time for your written plan, or else risk your ultimate demise.
Sound dramatic?
It shouldn’t. I’ve seen absolute ruin happen to some of the smartest and most capable leaders I’ve known. No plan = no consistent wins.
If you’re tired of feeling like you’re drowning at work and need a tangible plan to get back on track, creating a vision and writing out your goals is the first step. It may feel like a small investment of time, but the payoff will be huge. With a written plan for winning at work, you’ll regain control over your work life, reduce stress, and start seeing real progress in the areas that matter most.
BONUS: Setting SMART Goals That YOU LOVE
(AKA - WHAT DO DO WITH YOUR VISION PLAN ONCE YOU’VE WRITTEN IT)
Hey, I get it. You’re busy. But - once you’ve got your vision in place, it’s time to break it down into actionable goals. 65% of workers say they spend less than half of their workday on tasks that are meaningful or aligned with their long-term goals.
Enter the SMART goal framework. If you’ve never heard of SMART goals before, they’re goals that are:
Specific: Clearly defined and easy to understand
Measurable: You can track progress and outcomes
Achievable: Realistic, given your current situation
Relevant: Aligned with your values and long-term vision
Time-bound: Have a deadline or timeline for completion
This framework is a game-changer because it turns lofty ideas into something concrete and achievable. Here’s some examples of vague vs. SMART goals:
VAGUE GOAL
Improve leadership skills
Get healthier
Network more often
Learn to love my boss
SMART GOAL
Complete a leadership development program by Q2
Enroll in a healthy cooking class
Attend 4 networking events by EOY
Schedule weekly one-on-one coaching sessions with my manager to improve communication
This gives you direction, focus, and a clear sense of what needs to happen next.
Action Steps to Get Started
Ready to stop feeling overwhelmed and start winning at work? Here’s your action plan:
Get Clear on Your Vision:
What do you want your life and work to look like in the next 3-6 months? What would achieving that bigger picture do for you? How would it impact your life? Don’t overthink it—just jot down some thoughts on where you want to be and what success looks like to you. And put a title on that bad boy. Your “Blueprint for Boss Moves” sounds nice!
Break It Down into SMART Goals:
For each part of your vision, create 2-3 SMART goals that are specific, measurable, and achievable. Make sure they align with your overall vision.
Schedule Time for Action:
Block out time on your calendar each week to work on your goals. This is non-negotiable. If you don’t prioritize your goals, no one else will.
Evaluate and Adjust:
Consistently review your progress. Are you hitting your goals? If not, adjust your approach. Flexibility is key.
Celebrate Wins:
When you reach a goal, take time to celebrate. Big or small, every win deserves recognition.
It’s Time to Take Control of Your Career
If you’re tired of feeling like you’re drowning at work and need a tangible plan to get back on track, creating a vision and writing out your goals is the first step. It may feel like a small investment of time, but the payoff will be huge. With a written plan for winning at work, you’ll regain control over your work life, reduce stress, and start seeing real progress in the areas that matter most.
